Martini Style Shaken Not Stirred

Martini styles are all the rage in Hollywood. In The Wolf of Wall Street, Mark and Jordan bond over Absolut martinis. In Sweet Home Alabama, Melanie goes for a Grey Goose martini (two olives, dirty). In Arrested Development, Lucille Bluth prefers any vodka martini. And of course, James Bond loves his Vesper martinis (shaken, not stirred).

 

While these vodka martini styles might be famous from their time on screen, there are plenty of other options out there. And while making a martini is fairly simple, most martini-lovers are very particular about how they want their martinis made — and which martini style they consider the best one.

 

What Is a Martini, Even?

First, let’s define the cocktail called a martini. It may be one of the best-known and loved gin cocktails out there, typically containing just gin and dry vermouth (though there are variations). Martinis are often very dry, and they’re typically served cold and straight up in a chilled martini glass.

However, the different styles of martini are made differently and often come with different kinds of liquor. Plus, martini styles reflect a lot about your taste. (Hint: All of them start with chilling your favorite martini glass.)

Ever wondered how liquor is even made? Check out the basic process here!

 

Martini Styles For Every Palate

The beauty of the martini is its versatility. Some cocktails are only for those who love smoky drinks or only cater to those with a sweet tooth. But the martini is sure to have a version that satisfies your palate.

For instance, if you’re looking for something sweet, there’s the Chocolate Martini. If you love sake, go for the Saketini. If you love the combo of sweet and sour, the Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini is sure to make your taste buds jump with joy.

Of course, since it all started with the Classic Martini, that one is worth a stop on your martini journey.

No matter your taste preferences, there is a martini style out there for you.

 

For the Minimalist: The Classic Martini

The original Classic Martini is a favorite — and it’s very simple to make. It also highlights the liquors and doesn’t hide them behind any added flavors.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces London dry gin
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Spanish olive

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine gin and vermouth in a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with the olive.

 

For the Vodka Lover: The Classic Vodka Martini

Not a fan of gin? Go for the Class Vodka Martini. This martini style is not as aromatic as the Classic Martini, and because of its more neutral flavor, it’s many people’s favorite. Since you can really taste the vodka in this one, splurge on a good vodka.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces premium vodka
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Spanish olive

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with the olive.

Now that you have some good vodka, put it to use with some other easy vodka cocktails.

 

For the Olive Lover: The Dirty Martini

If you’re one of those people that eats olives straight from the jar, the Dirty Martini might be your new go-to. Making a martini “dirty” means you add brine from the olives to the drink, which makes it “dirty” and also delicious.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces Long dry gin or premium vodka
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Splash of olive juice
  • Ice
  • Spanish olive

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka and vermouth in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Add olive juice and shake for roughly 10 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with the olive.

 

For the Olive Hater: The Gibson

Not too keen on olives? Try this fun-but-simple twist on a classic martini where the olive disappears and a new garnish enters the scene.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces London dry gin
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Cocktail onion

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with the cocktail onion.

 

For the Culturally-Savvy: The Saketini

If you’re looking for a martini to pair with sushi (or you just love yourself a little sake), try a Saketini. This martini style replaces vermouth with sake, and it’s worth the swap.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces London dry gin or vodka
  • ½ ounce sake
  • Ice
  • Lemon peel for garnish

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine gin or vodka and sake.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with lemon peel.

For some added fun, give some of these Japanese whiskeys a shot, too!

 

For the Dessert Lover: The Chocolate Martini

If you’re always the first to look at the dessert menu (or you just can’t get enough chocolate in your life), a Chocolate Martini might be the perfect way to fulfill your craving and enjoy a cocktail.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
  • ½ ounce creme de cacao
  • Ice

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka and creme de cacao.
  2. Add ice and stir.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

 

For the Fruity Cocktail Connoisseur: The Apple Martini

The Classic Martini (and many of its variations) aren’t known for being sweet, but the Apple Martini certainly is. This fruity martini style is sweet, tart, and definitely delectable.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces apple schnapps
  • Ice
  • Apple slice for garnish

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka and apple schnapps in a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for roughly one minute.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with the apple slice.

 

For the Sweet-Tart Lover: The Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini

Speaking of sweet, if you love the Apple Martini (or SweetTart candies), give the Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini a shot. It offers the sweetness and tartness of your favorite candy alongside your favorite liquors.

Plus, this martini style is shaken, so you can channel your inner James Bond.

 

Ingredients you’ll need:
  • 2 ounces citrus vodka (like lemon or orange)
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup
  • ¾ ounces Chambord
  • Ice
  • Fresh raspberries for garnish

 

Instructions:
  1. Combine vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Chambord in a cocktail shaker glass.
  2. Add ice and shake for roughly ten seconds.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

 

 

There are plenty of styles of martini, and once you find one you love, you’ll have your go-to next time you’re craving a cocktail. Plus, you can always make up your own variation if you’re feeling creative.

 

If you need some more martini styles, check out some of the best martini recipes (and some excellent alternative martini recipes) that we know you’ll love.

 

Which martini style are you going to start with tonight?